Shift register and driving method thereof

ABSTRACT

A low power consumption shift register which inputs a CK signal with a low voltage with almost no effect of variation in characteristics of transistors. In the invention, an input portion of an inverter is set at a threshold voltage thereof and a CK signal is inputted to the input portion of the inverter through a capacitor means. In this manner, the CK signal is amplified, which is sent to the shift register. That is, by obtaining the threshold potential of the inverter, the shift register which operates with almost no effect of variation in characteristics of transistors can be provided. A level shifter of the CK signal is generated from an output pulse of the shift register, therefore, the low power consumption shift register having the level shifter which flows a shoot-through current for a short period can be provided.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an active matrix display device whichdisplays an image by an input of a video signal. More particularly, theinvention relates to a shift register which generates a sampling pulsewhich sequentially samples the video signal.

BACKGROUND ART

In recent years, an active matrix display device such as a liquidcrystal display device and a light emitting device has been developed inresponse to the expanding demand for portable use and the like. Inparticular, technology for integrally forming a pixel and a drivercircuit (referred to as an internal circuit, hereinafter) on aninsulator by using a transistor formed by using a polycrystallinesemiconductor (polysilicon) has been actively developed. An internalcircuit includes a source signal line driver circuit and a gate signalline driver circuit, and controls pixels arranged in matrix.

Further, the internal circuit is connected to a controller IC and thelike (referred to as an external circuit, hereinafter) through aflexible printed circuit (FPC) and the like to control its operation. Anexternal circuit typically operates at a lower voltage than a powersupply voltage of an internal circuit because an IC used for theexternal circuit is in single crystal form. At present, the externalcircuit normally operates at a power supply voltage of 3.3 V while theinternal circuit operates at a power supply voltage of approximately 10V. Thus it is necessary to amplify the CK signal to the voltageequivalent to the power supply voltage of the internal circuit with alevel shifter and the like for operating a shift register of theinternal circuit by a clock (referred to as CK, hereinafter) signal ofthe external circuit.

In the case of amplifying the CK signal by the external circuit,problems arise in that the number of components such as a level shifterIC and a power supply IC is increased, which consumes more power. In theinternal circuit, by providing an input portion of an FPC with a levelshifter for amplifying the CK signal to supply it to all the stages ofthe shift register, problems arise in that the size of layout area andthe power consumption are increased and a high frequency operationbecomes difficult.

In view of the aforementioned, a shift register which is operated at aCK signal of a low voltage has been proposed. By providing a datatransfer portion as a differential amplifier, the shift register of theinvention can be operated satisfactorily even at a low power supplyvoltage and a low voltage input signal (e.g. see Japanese PatentApplication Laid-open No. Hei 11-184432).

The shift register provided with the data transfer portion as adifferential amplifier may not operate accurately in the case where thecharacteristics of transistors configuring the differential amplifierare not the estimated ones. In a polysilicon TFT other than a singlecrystalline TFT, variation in characteristics is a considerable problem.

In view of the above problems, the invention provides a shift registerwhich is hardly affected by variation in characteristics of transistorsand operates with low power consumption.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention, a CK signal is amplified when inputted to aninput portion of an inverter having a threshold potential, and theamplified CK signal is sent to a shift register. That is to say, a shiftregister which is hardly affected by variation in characteristics oftransistors can be provided by having a threshold potential of aninverter

Furthermore, a level shifter which amplifies a CK signal operates onlyin a short period where the amplification of a CK signal is requiredsince the level shifter is operated by a control signal generated byusing an output pulse of the shift register. Accordingly, shoot-throughcurrent flows only for a short time in the level shifter which amplifiesa CK signal, which can provide a shift register of low powerconsumption.

Configuration of the invention will be described below.

A shift register of the invention includes a level shifter whichamplifies the amplitude of a clock signal and the level shifterincludes:

a capacitor means,

an inverter of which input portion is connected to a first electrode ofthe capacitor means,

a means for electrically connecting the input portion and the outputportion of the inverter,

a first means for inputting a reference potential to a second electrodeof the capacitor means,

a second means for inputting the clock signal to the second electrode ofthe capacitor means,

a third means for fixing a potential of an output of the level shifter,and

a fourth means for fixing a potential of the input portion of theinverter during a period in which the level shifter is not operated,

wherein a control signal for the level shifter is generated from anoutput pulse of the shift register, and

wherein, H-level and L-level potential of the clock signal are used asthe reference potential.

A shift register of the invention includes a level shifter whichamplifies the amplitude of a clock signal and the level shifterincludes:

a capacitor means,

a first inverter of which input portion is connected to a firstelectrode of the capacitor means,

a second inverter of which input portion is connected to the outputportion of the first inverter,

a first switch which is provided between the input portion and theoutput portion of the first inverter,

a second switch which is provided between the input portion of the firstinverter and a power supply,

a first means for inputting a reference potential to a second electrodeof the capacitor means, and

a second means for inputting the clock signal to the second electrode ofthe capacitor means,

wherein the second inverter includes a third switch for fixing an outputpotential of the level shifter during a period in which an output of thefirst inverter is unstable, and a control signal for the level shifteris generated from an output pulse of the shift register.

A shift register of the invention includes a level shifter whichamplifies the amplitude of a clock signal and the level shifterincludes:

a first inverter and a second inverter which are connected in series,

a first switch which is provided between the input portion and theoutput portion of the first inverter,

a second switch which is provided between the input portion of the firstinverter and a power supply,

a first capacitor means and a second capacitor means both of which firstelectrodes are connected to the input portion of the first inverter,

a third switch for inputting a H-level clock signal as a referencepotential to a second electrode of the first capacitor means, and

a fourth switch for inputting a L-level clock signal as a referencepotential to a second electrode of the second capacitor means,

a means for inputting the clock signal to second electrodes of the firstcapacitor means and the second capacitor means,

wherein the second inverter includes a fifth switch for fixing an outputpotential of the level shifter during a period in which an output fromthe first inverter is unstable, and a control signal for the levelshifter is generated from an output pulse of the shift register.

A shift register of the invention includes a level shifter whichamplifies the amplitude of a clock signal and the level shifterincludes:

a first inverter and a second inverter which are connected in series,

a first switch which is provided between the input portion and theoutput portion of the first inverter,

a second switch which is provided between the input portion of the firstinverter and a power supply,

a first capacitor means and a second capacitor means both of which firstelectrodes are connected to the input portion of the first inverter,

a third inverter of which output portion is connected to a secondelectrode of the first capacitor means,

a third switch which is provided between the input portion and theoutput portion of the third inverter,

a fourth switch which is provided between the input portion of the thirdinverter and a power supply,

a third capacitor means of which first electrode is connected to theinput portion of the third inverter,

a fifth switch for inputting a H-level potential of the clock signal toa second electrode of the third capacitor means,

a fourth inverter of which output portion is connected to a secondelectrode of the second capacitor means,

a sixth switch which is provided between the input portion and theoutput portion of the fourth inverter,

a seventh switch which is provided between the input portion of thefourth inverter and a power supply,

a fourth capacitor means of which first electrode is connected to theinput portion of the fourth inverter,

an eighth switch for inputting an L-level potential of the clock signalto a second electrode of the fourth capacitor means, and

a means for inputting the clock signal to second electrodes of the thirdcapacitor means and the fourth capacitor means,

wherein the second inverter includes a ninth switch for fixing an outputpotential of the level shifter during a period in which an output fromthe first inverter is unstable, and a control signal for the levelshifter is generated from an output pulse of the shift register.

Moreover, a shift register of the invention is configured by levelshifters and flip-flops of which the numbers of stages are in the ratioof 1:N (N is 2 or more).

A driving method of a shift register of the invention is a drivingmethod of a shift register including a level shifter which amplifies theamplitude of a clock signal and the level shifter includes:

a capacitor means,

an inverter of which input portion is connected to a first electrode ofthe capacitor means,

a switch which is provided between the input portion and the outputportion of the inverter,

a first means for inputting a reference potential to a second electrodeof the capacitor means,

a second means for inputting a clock to the second electrode of thecapacitor means,

a third means for fixing an output potential of the level shifter, and

a fourth means for fixing a potential of the input portion of theinverter,

wherein during a reset period, the input portion and the output portionof the inverter are set at a threshold voltage of the inverter byturning the switch ON, a first electrode of the capacitor means is setat the threshold potential and a second electrode of the capacitor meansis set at a reference potential by the first means,

wherein, during a clock receiving period, the clock signal is inputtedto a second electrode of the capacitor means by the second means,

wherein, during a period in which an output of the inverter is unstable,an output potential of the level shifter is fixed by the third means,

wherein, during a period in which the level shifter does not operate, apotential of the input portion of the inverter is fixed by the fourthmeans,

wherein a control signal for the level shifter is generated from anoutput pulse of the shift register, and

wherein, in a driving method of the shift register of the invention,both H-level and L-level potentials of the clock signal are used as thereference potential.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B are diagrams showing Embodiment Mode 1;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrams showing Embodiment Mode 2;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing Embodiment Mode 3;

FIG. 4 is a timing chart according to Embodiment Mode 3;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a timing of a control signal;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a structure of a shift register to which thepresent invention can be applied;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams showing a structural example of D-FF;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams showing an example of methods forgenerating a control signal according to the present invention;

FIGS. 9A to 9D are views showing examples of electronic devices to whichthe present invention can be applied;

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a characteristic of an inverter;

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another structural example of an outputinverter;

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Embodiment Modes of the invention will be described below.

[Embodiment Mode 1]

FIG. 1A shows a first structure of a level shifter which amplifies a CKsignal of the shift register of the invention.

The level shifter of Embodiment Mode 1 includes a switch 1001 forreceiving a CK signal, a reference switch 1002, a switch 1003 forsetting a threshold value, a capacitor means 1004, a correction inverter1005, a switch 1006 for fixing a potential, and an output inverter 1007.The output inverter 1007 includes a first P-type TFT 1008, a secondP-type TFT 1009, and an N-type TFT 1010.

The switch 1001 for receiving a CK signal is controlled to be turnedON/OFF by a signal (2) generated from an output pulse of the shiftregister to supply a CK signal. The reference switch 1002 is controlledto be turned ON/OFF by a signal (1) generated from an output pulse ofthe shift register to supply a reference voltage to a connection of theswitch for receiving CK 1001 and the capacitor means 1004. The inputportion and the output portion of the correction inverter 1005 areelectrically connected to each other through the switch 1003 for settinga threshold value whose ON/OFF is controlled by the signal (1). Theswitch 1001 for receiving a CK signal, the reference switch 1002, theswitch 1003 for setting a threshold value, and the switch 1006 forfixing a potential are turned ON when a control signal has a H-levelpotential.

During a period in which the level shifter does not operate, the inputportion of the correction inverter 1005 is connected to a GND powersupply through the switch 1006 for fixing a potential in order toprevent the malfunction of the correction inverter 1005 and ashoot-through current. The switch 1006 for fixing a potential iscontrolled to be turned ON/OFF by a signal (3) generated from an outputpulse of the shift register. In the output inverter 1007, the firstP-type TFT 1008 is controlled to be turned ON/OFF by a signal (4)generated from an output pulse of the shift register in order to preventthe malfunction until a CK signal starts being supplied.

OUT has a GND potential during a period in which a level shifter doesnot operate and has a VDD potential during a period in which a H-levelCK signal is supplied. Accordingly, the input portion of the correctioninverter 1005 is fixed at a GND potential during a period in which thelevel shifter does not operate. A switch of the first P-type TFT 1008 isprovided in the output inverter 1007 so the malfunction can be preventedby controlling a VDD output period by using the first P-type TFT 1008when the output of the correction inverter 1005 is unstable.

In the case where it is more logically convenient to fix the potentialof the input portion of the correction inverter 1005 at H-level during aperiod in which a level shifter does not operate, a P-type TFT is usedas the switch 1006 for fixing a potential to electrically connect theinput portion of the correction inverter 1005 to a VDD. By applying theoutput inverter 1007 having a structure shown in FIG. 11, an N-type TFT1110 controls an output period of GND instead of the first P-type TFT1008 which controls an output period of VDD of the output inverter 1007.Accordingly, the malfunction can be prevented when the output of thecorrection inverter 1005 is unstable during a reset period T1. Note thatsame components in FIG. 11 as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the samereference numerals.

FIG. 1B shows a timing chart of a level shifter of this embodiment mode.Described below is the operation for amplifying a CK signal of a lowpotential by the level shifter with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B. Wespecify voltages as an example. It is set here that GND equals to 0 V,VDD equals to 7 V, H-level and L-level of the signals (1), (2), (3), and(4) equal to 7 V and 0 V, respectively, H-level and L-level of a CKsignal equal to 3 V and 0 V, respectively, and the reference voltageequals to 1.5 V which is an intermediate potential of the CK signal.

First, a period T1 is a reset period. The signal (1) becomes H-level andthe reference switch 1002 and the switch 1003 for setting a thresholdvalue are turned ON. A node a has the reference potential (1.5 V). As apotential of a node b does not change since a potential of a node c isfedback to the node b, the node b has a threshold voltage of thecorrection inverter 1005 (3.5 V here). Here, a potential differencebetween each terminal of the capacitor means 1004 is stored.

Subsequently, a CK signal receiving period T2 starts. The switch 1001for receiving a CK signal is turned ON when the signal (2) becomesH-level (7 V). At the beginning of the T2 period, a potential of thenode a changes from 1.5 V to 0 V since the CK signal has an L-level (0V) potential. As the potential difference between each terminal of thecapacitor means 1004 is stored, a potential of the node b changes by theapproximately same amount of a potential change of the node a.Therefore, the potential of the node b decreases from 3.5 V byapproximately 1.5 V.

FIG. 10 shows a VIN-VOUT characteristics of a typical inverter. Witheven a slight change in VIN from the threshold potential, VOUT drawsconsiderably close to VDD or GND.

Therefore, since the node b was set at a threshold potential of thecorrection inverter 1005 in the T1 period, the node c sensitively reactsto a potential change of the node b. In this case, a potential of thenode c draws considerably close to VDD for a decreased potential of thenode b. The potential of OUT remains GND (0 V).

Then in the period T2, a CK signal changes from L-level (0 V) to H-level(3 V). Accordingly, a potential of the node a increases from 0 V to 3 Vand a potential of the node b increases to 3.5 V (thresholdpotential)+1.5 V approximately. Therefore, a potential of the node cdraws close to GND. In this case, OUT has a potential of VDD (7 V) sincea signal (4) is at L-level (0 V).

At the end of the period T2, a CK signal changes from H-level (3 V) toL-level (0 V). Accordingly, a potential of the node a changes from 3 Vto 0 V and a potential of the node b decreases to 3.5 V (thresholdpotential)−1.5 V approximately. Therefore, a potential of the node cdraws close to VDD and OUT has a potential of GND (0 V). In this manner,a pulse which becomes H-level (7 V) in the half period of a CK signal isgenerated as OUT shown in FIG. 1B.

After amplifying a CK signal, a signal (3) becomes H-level (7 V) to turnON the switch 1006 for fixing a potential and the input portion of thecorrection inverter 1005 is fixed at GND (0 V).

Note that, the reference potential is preferably at an intermediatepotential of a CK signal amplitude, however, it is not necessarily at anexact intermediate potential. The reference potential may be equivalentto neither the highest potential nor the lowest potential of the CKsignal. Additionally, the reference potential may be changed slightlywithin the amplitude of the CK signal. Also, this intermediate potentialmay be generated in an external circuit or an internal circuit.

According to this embodiment mode, even when the amplitude of CK signalis small relatively to a power supply voltage, it is possible to amplifythe CK signal without being affected by the variation in characteristicsof transistors. During a period in which a level shifter does notoperate, a potential is fixed to prevent the malfunction and ashoot-through current. Accordingly, low power consumption is realized.In this manner, the invention is suitable for a shift register using apolysilicon TFT and the like which have large variation incharacteristics of the transistors.

[Embodiment Mode 2]

FIG. 2A shows a second structure of a level shifter which amplifies a CKsignal of the shift register of the invention.

Described in Embodiment Mode 1 is the case of using the intermediatepotential of a CK signal as the reference potential. In Embodiment Mode2, a CK signal is amplified by using H-level and L-level of the CKsignal as the reference potential instead of the intermediate potential.

The level shifter in this embodiment mode includes a first switch 2001for receiving a CK signal and a second switch 2004 for receiving a CKsignal, a first reference switch 2002 and a second reference switch2005, a capacitor means 2003 for setting H-level and a capacitor means2006 for setting L-level, a switch 2007 for setting a threshold value, acorrection inverter 2008, a switch 2009 for fixing a potential, and anoutput inverter 2010. The output inverter 2010 includes a first P-typeTFT 2011, a second P-type TFT 2012, and an N-type TFT 2013.

A capacitor means connected to the input portion of the correctioninverter 2008 in the level shifter in this embodiment mode can bedivided into the capacitor means 2003 for setting H-level and thecapacitor means 2006 for setting L-level. The first reference switch2002 and the first switch 2001 for receiving a CK signal are connectedto a terminal of the capacitor means 2003 for setting H-level which isin the counter direction to the terminal thereof connected to thecorrection inverter 2008. The second reference switch 2005 and thesecond switch 2004 for receiving a CK signal are connected to a terminalof the capacitor means 2006 for setting L-level which is in the counterdirection to the terminal thereof connected to the correction inverter2008. It assumed that the capacitance of the capacitor means 2003 forsetting H-level and the capacitor means 2006 for setting L-level are thesame.

As for the switch for setting a threshold value 2007, the switch 2009for fixing a potential, and the output inverter 2010, similarly toEmbodiment Mode 1, the switch 2007 for setting a threshold value isprovided between the input portion and the output portion of thecorrection inverter 2008 and the output inverter 2010 is connected tothe output side of the correction inverter 2008. The first P-type TFT2011 which controls an output period of VDD is provided in the outputinverter 2010. By controlling the output period of VDD by using thefirst P-type TFT 2011, the malfunction can be prevented when the outputof the correction inverter 2008 is unstable. In order to fix a potentialduring a period in which the level shifter does not operate, the inputportion of the correction inverter 2008 is connected to GND through theswitch 2009 for fixing a potential.

In the case where it is more logically convenient to fix the potentialof the input portion of the correction inverter 2008 at H-level during aperiod in which a level shifter does not operate, a P-type TFT is usedas the switch 2009 for fixing a potential to electrically connect theinput portion of the correction inverter 2008 to VDD. By applying theoutput inverter 2010 having a structure such as the output inverter 1107shown in FIG. 11 similarly to Embodiment Mode 1, an N-type TFT 1110controls an output period of GND instead of the first P-type TFT 2011which controls an output period of VDD of the output inverter 2010.Accordingly, the malfunction can be prevented when the output of thecorrection inverter 2008 is unstable during a reset period T1. Note thatsame components in FIG. 11 as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the samereference numerals.

FIG. 2B shows a timing chart of a level shifter of this embodiment mode.Described below with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B is the operation foramplifying a CK signal of a low potential by the level shifter of thisembodiment mode. We specify voltages as an example. It is set here thatGND equals to 0 V, VDD equals to 7 V, H-level and L-level of the signals(1), (2), (3), and (4) equal to 7 V and 0 V, respectively, H-level andL-level of a CK signal equal to 3 V and 0 V, respectively, and H-leveland L-level of the reference voltage equals to 3 V and 0 V,respectively.

The timings of control signals (1), (2), (3), and (4) are the same asthe ones in Embodiment Mode 1. First, in a reset period T1, the firstreference switch 2002 and the second reference switch 2005 are turned ONand potentials of a node e and a node f become 3 V and 0 V,respectively. The input portion of the correction inverter 2008 becomesa threshold voltage thereof when the switch 2007 for setting a thresholdvalue is turned ON. Each potential difference between each terminal ofthe capacitor means 2003 for setting H-level and of the capacitor means2006 for setting L-level is stored here.

Subsequently, a CK signal receiving period T2 starts. The first switch2001 for receiving a CK signal and the second switch 2004 for receivinga CK signal are turned ON. At the beginning, a potential of the node echanges from 3 V to 0 V and a potential of the node f remains 0 V sincethe CK signal has L-level (0 V). As a result of the potential change ofthe node e, a potential of a node g decreases from the thresholdpotential of the correction inverter 2008 by approximately 1.5 V. Then aCK signal becomes H-level (3 V), both potentials of the node e and thenode f are increased from 0 V to 3 V. As a result of the potentialchange of the node f, a potential of the node g increases from thethreshold potential of the correction inverter 2008 by approximately 1.5V. At the end of the T2 period, a CK signal becomes L-level (0 V) and apotential of the node g decreases from the threshold potential of thecorrection inverter 2008 by approximately 1.5 V. In this manner, a pulsewhich becomes H-level (7 V) in the half period of a CK signal isgenerated as OUT shown in FIG. 2B.

As described above, it is possible to amplify a CK signal by usingH-level and L-level of the CK signal as a reference potential instead ofthe intermediate potential. Therefore, the number of power supplies canbe reduced by using a H-level power supply and an L-level power supplyof a CK signal without adding a power supply of an intermediatepotential of a CK signal.

[Embodiment Mode 3]

FIG. 3 shows a third structure of a level shifter which amplifies a CKsignal of a shift register of the invention.

In Embodiment Modes 1 and 2, a potential of an input portion of acorrection inverter changes from a threshold potential by approximatelyhalf of a CK signal amplitude when a CK signal is received. Described inEmbodiment Mode 3 is the case of changing the potential by theequivalent to a CK signal amplitude.

The level shifter of this embodiment mode has a first switch 3001 forreceiving a CK signal and a second switch 3008 for receiving a CKsignal, a first reference switch 3002 and a second reference switch3009, a first capacitor means 3003, a second capacitor means 3007, athird capacitor means 3010, a fourth capacitor means 3014 and a fifthcapacitor means 3015, a first correction inverter 3005 and a secondcorrection inverter 3012, a first switch 3004 for setting a thresholdvalue and a second switch 3011 for setting a threshold value, a firstswitch 3006 for fixing a potential and a second switch 3013 for fixing apotential, a third correction inverter 3017, a third switch 3016 forsetting a threshold value, a third switch 3018 for fixing a potential,and an output inverter 3019.

In the level shifter of this embodiment mode, a capacitor meansconnected to the input portion of the third correction inverter 3017 isdivided into the second capacitor means 3007 and the fourth capacitormeans 3014. The output portion of the first correction inverter 3005 isconnected to a terminal of the second capacitor means 3007 which is inthe counter direction to the third correction inverter 3017. The inputportion of the first correction inverter 3005 is connected to the firstcapacitor means 3003. The input portion and the output portion of thefirst correction inverter 3005 are electrically connected to each otherthrough the first switch 3004 for setting a threshold value, and theinput portion of the first correction inverter 3005 is connected to VDDthrough the first switch 3006 for fixing a potential. The first switch3001 for receiving a CK signal and the first reference switch 3002 areconnected to a terminal of the first capacitor means 3003 which is inthe counter direction to the first correction inverter 3005. A CK signaland a reference potential are sent from the first switch 3001 forreceiving a CK signal and the first reference switch 3002, respectively.

The output portion of the second correction inverter 3012 is connectedto a terminal of the fourth capacitor means 3014 which is in the counterdirection to the third correction inverter 3017. The input portion ofthe second correction inverter 3012 is connected to the third capacitormeans 3010. The input portion and the output portion of the secondcorrection inverter 3012 are electrically connected to each otherthrough the second switch 3011 for setting a threshold value, and theinput portion of the second correction inverter 3012 is connected to VDDthrough the second switch 3013 for fixing a potential. Also, the inputportion of the first correction inverter 3005 and the input portion ofthe second correction inverter 3012 are connected through the fifthcapacitor means 3015. The second switch 3008 for receiving a CK signaland the second reference switch 3009 are connected to a terminal of thesecond capacitor means 3010 which is in the counter direction to thesecond correction inverter 3012. A CK signal and a reference potentialare sent from the second switch 3008 for receiving a CK signal and thesecond reference switch 3009, respectively.

The input portion and the output portion of the third correctioninverter 3017 are connected to each other through the third switch 3016for setting a threshold value, and the input portion of the thirdcorrection inverter 3017 is connected to GND through the third switch3018 for fixing a potential. The output inverter 3019 is connected tothe output side of the third correction inverter 3017. The first P-typeTFT 3020 which controls a VDD output period is provided in the outputinverter 3019. It is here set that, capacitance of the first capacitormeans, the second capacitor means, the third capacitor means, and thefourth capacitor means are equal and the capacitance of the fifthcapacitor means is sufficiently smaller than those of the firstcapacitor means, the second capacitor means, the third capacitor means,and the fourth capacitor means.

In the case where it is more logically convenient to fix the potentialof the input portion of the third correction inverter 3017 at H-levelduring a period in which a level shifter does not operate, a P-type TFTis used as the switch 3018 for fixing a potential to electricallyconnect the input portion of the third correction inverter 3017 to VDD.By applying such structure as 1107 in FIG. 11 to the output inverter3019 similarly to Embodiment Mode 1, an N-type TFT 1110 controls a GNDoutput period instead of the first P-type TFT 3020 which controls a VDDoutput period in the output inverter 3019. Accordingly, the malfunctioncan be prevented when the output of the third correction inverter 3017is unstable during a reset period T1. Note that in FIGS. 11 and 1, samecomponents are denoted by the same reference.

FIG. 4 is a timing chart of the level shifter of this embodiment mode.Described below is the operation for amplifying a CK signal of a lowpotential by the level shifter of this embodiment mode with reference toFIGS. 3 and 4. We specify voltages as an example. It is set here thatGND equals to 0 V, VDD equals to 7 V, H-level and L-level of the signals(1), (2), (3), and (4) equal to 7 V and 0 V, respectively, H-level andL-level of a CK signal equal to 3 V and 0 V, respectively, and H-leveland L-level of a reference potential equals to 3 V and 0 V,respectively.

The timings of control signals (1), (2), (3), and (4) is the same as theone in Embodiment Modes 1 and 2. First, in a reset period T1, the firstreference switch 3002 and the second reference switch 3009 are turned ONand potentials of a node i and a node j become 3 V and 0 V,respectively. Both of the input portion and the output portion of thefirst correction inverter 3005, the second correction inverter 3012, andthe third correction inverter 3017 become a threshold voltage (3.5 V) ofthe first correction inverter 3005, the second correction inverter 3012,and the third correction inverter 3017, respectively with the firstswitch 3004 for setting a threshold value, the second switch 3011 forsetting a threshold value, and the third switch 3016 for setting athreshold value turned ON. Potential differences between the eachterminal of the first capacitor means, the second capacitor means, thethird capacitor means, the fourth capacitor means, and the fifthcapacitor means are stored here.

Subsequently, a CK signal receiving period T2 starts. The first switch3001 for receiving a CK signal and the second switch 3008 for receivinga CK signal are turned ON. At the beginning, a potential of the node iremains 3 V and a potential of the node j changes from 0 V to 3 V sincethe CK signal has H-level (3 V). As a result of this potential change ofthe node j, a potential of a node l increases from 3.5 V byapproximately 3 V and a node n decreases from 3.5 V to 0 V. After apotential of a node k is slightly increased by the fifth capacitor means3015, the decrease of a potential of a node m from 3.5 V toward GNDfollows. Accordingly, a potential of a node o changes from 3.5 V to GND(0 V), and a node p and OUT become VDD (7 V) and GND (0 V),respectively. Then a CK signal becomes L-level (0 V) and H-level (3 V)alternately. Accordingly, each node can be changed appropriately asshown in FIG. 4.

With this structure, a potential of a correction inverter can be set tochange from a threshold voltage by the equivalent to a CK signalamplitude, which provides a more stable operation. Additionally, thenumber of power supplies can be reduced by using H-level and L-level ofa CK signal as a reference potential instead of an intermediatepotential of the CK signal.

Described in Embodiment Modes 1, 2, and 3 is the case where thereference potential is inputted from a reference switch during a resetperiod only, however, the reference switch may be turned ON besides thereset period as well. For at least one of the electrodes of a capacitormeans may have a reference potential on completion of the reset period,the reference switch may be turned ON during a period in which a levelshifter does not operate and turned OFF before a CK receiving period isstarted.

Furthermore, in Embodiment Modes 1, 2, and 3, output of the outputinverter is at L-level during a period in which the level shifter doesnot operate, because the shift register requires a CK signal at H-levelin operating a D-flip-flop (D-FF). That is, in the case where the shiftregister requires a CK signal at L-level in operating the D-flip-flop(D-FF), an output of the output inverter has a H-level during a periodin which the level shifter does not operate. In this case, the inputportion of a correction inverter is connected to VDD through a switchfor fixing a potential and a switch is provided to an N-type TFT in anoutput inverter in order to output a GND potential only when necessary.

For preventing the malfunction of an output inverter when the output ofthe correction inverter is unstable, a switch is provided to a P-typeTFT or an N-type TFT of an output inverter in the aforementionedEmbodiment Modes, however, the invention is not limited to this method.For example, it is also possible to prevent the output inverter fromoutputting a wrong level when the output of the correction inverter isunstable by providing an analog switch following an output inverter.

In addition to this, either an N-type TFT or a P-type TFT may be used asa switch for receiving a CK signal, a reference switch, a switch forsetting a threshold potential, and a switch for fixing a potential independence on a CK signal potential and a power supply potential.Alternatively, an analog switch formed by using both an N-type andP-type TFTs may be used. Each control signal may be generatedappropriately as required, such as an inverted signal in accordance witha polarity of each switch.

For fixing a potential of the input portion of the correction inverterduring a period in which the level shifter does not operate, the inputportion of the correction inverter is connected to a power supplythrough a switch for fixing a potential in the aforementioned EmbodimentModes. It is also possible to connect the output portion and the inputportion of the correction inverter in a loop through a clocked inverteras long as the input portion of the correction inverter has a powersupply potential. In addition, it is possible to fix a potential of aterminal of a capacitor means, which is in the counter direction to thecorrection inverter, to a desired potential so that the input portion ofthe correction inverter may have a potential which does not flow ashoot-through current.

[Embodiment Mode 4]

Next, a timing of generating control signals (1), (2), (3), and (4) of alevel shifter from an output pulse of a shift register is described withreference to FIG. 5.

FIG. 5 is a timing chart of signals required in generating the controlsignals of N-th stage of level shifter attached to an N-th stage ofD-flip-flop (D-FF) forming the shift register. Shown are an output Q5001of a (N−2)th stage of D-FF, an inverted output Qb5002 of the (N−2)thstage of D-FF, an output Q5003 of a (N−1)th stage of D-FF, and aninverted output Qb5004 of the (N−1)th stage of D-FF.

In a reset period T1, the signal (1) becomes H-level. The signal (1) canbe generated with NAND of the output Q5001 of the (N−2)th stage of D-FF,and the inverted output Qb5004 of the (N−1)th stage of D-FF and byinverting the NAND output. In a CK signal receiving period T2, thesignal (2) becomes H-level. The signal (2) can be the output Q5003 ofthe (N−1)th stage of D-FF. In the potential fixing period T3, the signal(3) becomes H-level. The signal (3) can be generated with NOR of theoutput Q5001 of the (N−2)th stage of D-FF and the output Q5003 of the(N−1)th stage of D-FF. Further, the signal (4) for controlling VDDoutput of the output inverter may be an inverted signal of the signal(2).

However, the aforementioned example is the case where no signals delay,which in fact is required to be taken care of when generating thecontrol signals. In particular, attentions are required to be paid so asto start a reset period after turning OFF the switch for fixing apotential in order to prevent a shoot-through current, to start a CKsignal receiving period after the termination of the reset period inorder to prevent the inputted reference potential from changing, and toturn ON (L-level) the signal (4) for controlling VDD output of theoutput inverter after starting the CK signal receiving period, whenthere are no effects of noise.

Further, each control signal of the level shifter for CK signals aregenerated by using the outputs of the (N−2)th stage of D-FF and the(N−1)th stage of D-FF in Embodiment Mode 4, however, the invention isnot limited to this. They may be generated by using the output of a(N−3)th stage of D-FF in the reset period and using the output of(N−1)th stage of D-FF in the CK signal receiving period. In short, theymay be generated appropriately from the output pulse of the shiftregister in dependence on the intention.

In this manner, control signals of the level shifter can be generatedfrom the output pulse of the shift register.

[Embodiment]

Hereinafter described are embodiments of the invention.

Connection between the D-FF and level shifter of each stage when formingthe shift register by using the level shifter described in EmbodimentModes 1, 2, and 3 is described.

[Embodiment 1]

FIG. 6 shows a configuration example of the shift register including thelevel shifter of the invention.

The shift register includes a plurality of stages of level shifters (LS)6001 and D-FF 6002. An input N1 of an N-th stage of level shifter isconnected to an output Q of an (N−2)th stage of D-FF, an input N2 of theN-th stage of level shifter is connected to an output Q of an (N−1)thstage of D-FF, and an output OUT of the N-th stage of level shifter isconnected to CK2 of the (N−1)th stage of D-FF and CK1 of the N-th stageof D-FF. An input IN of the N-th stage of D-FF is connected to theoutput Q of the (N−1)th stage of D-FF and an output Q of the N-th stageof D-FF is connected to an input IN of an (N+1)th stage of D-FF.Further, CK2 of the N-th stage of D-FF is connected to an output OUT ofan (N+1)th stage of level shifter.

In this embodiment, the number of the stages of level shifters and thenumber of the stages of flip-flops that configure the shift register areidentical, however, they may be provided by the ratio of 1:N (N is twoor more). The ratio may be determined appropriately in considerationwith the layout area of the circuit, operation frequency, powerconsumption and the like.

[Embodiment 2]

FIG. 7A shows a configuration example of the D-FF 6002 and FIG. 7B is atiming chart thereof.

The D-FF 6002 includes a first clocked inverter 7001 and an inverter7002 connected in series, and a second clocked inverter 7003 connectedto the inverter in a loop. The first clocked inverter 7001 includes afirst P-type TFT 7004, a second P-type TFT 7005, a first N-type TFT7006, and a second N-type TFT 7007 connected in series. The secondclocked inverter 7003 includes a third P-type TFT 7008, a fourth P-typeTFT 7009, a third N-type TFT 7010, and a fourth N-type TFT 7011connected in series.

The second N-type TFT 7007 and the third P-type TFT 7008 are controlledto be turned ON and OFF by CK1 while the first P-type TFT 7004 and thefourth N-type TFT 7011 are controlled to be turned ON and OFF by CK2. Anoutput (IN) of the preceding stage of D-FF is inputted to the gates ofthe second P-type TFT 7005 and the first N-type TFT 7006.

The operation of this embodiment is described with reference to thetiming chart of FIG. 7B. First, a pulse is inputted to IN to be H-leveland a second P-type TFT 7005 is turned OFF and the first N-type TFT 7006is turned ON in a period T1. Subsequently, CK1 becomes H-level, thesecond N-type TFT 7007 is turned ON. A node Qb becomes a GND potential,and a node Q becomes a VDD potential in a period T2. In a period T3, CK2becomes H-level, the fourth N-type TFT 7011 is turned ON, and the nodeQb remains to have the GND potential. In a period T4, CK2 becomesL-level, the first P-type TFT 7004 is turned ON, the fourth N-type TFT7011 is turned OFF, the node Qb becomes a VDD potential, and the node Qbecomes the GND potential.

The D-FF shown in FIG. 7A is used in this embodiment, however, it isneedless to say that the invention is not limited to the flip-flop ofthis configuration.

[Embodiment 3]

The timing to generate control signals of the level shifter from theoutput pulse of the shift register is described in Embodiment Mode 4,however, it is required in fact that those signals be inputted inconsideration with the delay. The specific example is described below.

FIG. 8A is a circuit example which generates control signals (1), (2),(3), and (4) of the level shifter from the output pulse of the shiftregister in consideration with the delay. FIG. 8B shows a timing chartthereof.

The process of generating control signals of an N-th stage of levelshifter is described. First, an output Q (N−2 Q) of an (N−2)th stage ofD-FF and an output Q (N−1 Q) of an (N−1)th stage of D-FF are inputted toan NOR 8001, and an output of the NOR 8001 becomes the signal (3). Whenthe output Q (N−2 Q) of the (N−2)th stage of D-FF has H-level, thesignal (3) has L-level. Subsequently, the output Q (N−2 Q) of the(N−2)th stage of D-FF and the output Q (N−1 Q) of the (N−1)th stage ofD-FF are inverted by a first inverter 8002 and they are inputted to anNAND 8003. Then, an output of the NAND 8003 is inverted by a secondinverter 8004 to generate the signal (1). The signal (1) becomes H-levelafter the signal (3) becomes L-level since the signal (1) has more delaycaused by the second inverter 8004 than the signal (3). Furthermore, bydisposing a plurality of inverters in series to the second inverter 8004additionally so that the H-levels of the signal (3) and the signal (1)do not overlap, a shoot-through current can be prevented.

A first P-type TFT 8005, a second P-type TFT 8006, and an N-type TFT8007 are connected in series. An inverted pulse of the output Q of the(N−1)th stage of D-FF is inputted to the gate electrodes of the secondP-type TFT 8006 and the N-type TFT 8007 and the signal (1) is inputtedto the gate electrode of the first P-type TFT 8005. The sourceelectrodes of the first P-type TFT 8005 and the N-type TFT 8007 areconnected to VDD and GND, respectively. The drain electrodes of thesecond P-type TFT 8006 and the N-type TFT 8007 are connected to eachother. A third inverter 8008, a fourth inverter 8009, a fifth inverter8010, a sixth inverter 8011, and a seventh inverter 8012 are connectedin series.

An input portion of the third inverter 8008 becomes H-level after thesignal (1) becomes L-level since the signal (1) is inputted to the gateelectrode of the first P-type TFT 8005. Further, the signal (2) isgenerated by inverting the signal by the fourth inverter 8009. Thus, areset period and a CK signal receiving period is not overlapped witheach other.

The signal (4) is generated with the signal (2) through the fifthinverter 8010, the sixth inverter 8011, and the seventh inverter 8012.Thus, an output inverter can output VDD after starting the CK signalreceiving period.

Described in this embodiment is the configuration shown in FIG. 8A,however, it is needless to say that the invention is not limited tothis. The delay, frequency and the like of each control signal areconsidered in the configuration.

[Embodiment 4]

The display device of the invention can be applied to display portionsof various electronic apparatuses. In particular, the invention issuitable for a mobile device which is required to consume less power.

Specifically, the aforementioned electronic apparatuses include aportable information terminal (portable phone, mobile computer, portablegame machine, electronic book and the like), a video camera, a digitalcamera, a goggle type display, a display device, a navigation system andthe like. Specific examples of these electronic apparatuses are shown inFIGS. 9A to 9D.

FIG. 9A illustrates a display device including a housing 9001, an audiooutput portion 9002, a display portion 9003 and the like. The displaydevice of the invention can be applied to the display portion 9003. Thedisplay device includes a display for displaying all the pieces ofinformation for personal computers, TV broadcast reception, displayingadvertisement and so on.

FIG. 9B illustrates a mobile computer including a body 9001, a stylus9102, a display portion 9103, an operating button 9104, an externalinterface 9105 and the like. The display device of the invention can beapplied to the display portion 9103.

FIG. 9C illustrates a game machine including a body 9201, a displayportion 9202, an operating button 9203 and the like. The display deviceof the invention can be applied to the display portion 9202.

FIG. 9D illustrates a portable phone including a body 9301, an audiooutput portion 9302, an audio input portion 9303, a display portion9304, an operating switch 9305, an antenna 9306 and the like. Thedisplay device of the invention can be applied to the display portion9304.

As described above, the application range of the display device of theinvention is quite wide, and the invention can be applied to electronicapparatuses of all kinds of fields.

Industrial Applicability

The invention is quite efficient in the case of operating a shiftregister with a CK signal having smaller amplitude than the power supplyvoltage, by using transistors having a variation in characteristics suchas polysilicon TFTs. By using the shift register of the invention, theeffect of the variation in characteristics can be insignificant. Thelevel shifter of a CK signal is controlled by using a pulse generated bythe shift register and operated only for a short period which isrequired to amplify the CK signal, therefore, the low power consumptionshift register having the level shifter which flows a shoot-throughcurrent for a short period can be provided.

1. A shift register comprising a level shifter which amplifies anamplitude of a clock signal, wherein the level shifter comprises: acapacitor means; an inverter of which input portion is connected to afirst electrode of the capacitor means; a means for connecting the inputportion and an output portion of the inverter electrically; a firstmeans for inputting a reference potential to a second electrode of thecapacitor means; a second means for inputting the clock signal to thesecond electrode of the capacitor means; a third means for fixing apotential of an output of the level shifter; and a fourth means forfixing a potential of the input portion during a period in which thelevel shifter does not operate, and wherein a control signal of thelevel shifter is generated from an output pulse of the shift register.2. The shift register according to claim 1, wherein an H-level and anL-level of the clock signal are used as the reference potential.
 3. Ashift register comprising a level shifter which amplifies an amplitudeof a clock signal, wherein the level shifter comprises: a capacitormeans; a first inverter of which input portion is connected to a firstelectrode of the capacitor means; a second inverter of which inputportion is connected to an output portion of the first inverter; a firstswitch provided between the input portion and the output portion of thefirst inverter; a second switch provided between the input portion ofthe first inverter and a power supply; a first means for inputting areference potential to a second electrode of the capacitor means; and asecond means for inputting the clock signal to the second electrode ofthe capacitor means, wherein the second inverter comprises a thirdswitch for fixing a potential of an output of the level shifter in aperiod in which an output of the first inverter is unstable; and whereina control signal of the level shifter is generated from an output pulseof the shift register.
 4. A shift register comprising a level shifterwhich amplifies an amplitude of a clock signal, wherein the levelshifter comprises a first inverter and a second inverter connected inseries; a first switch provided between an input portion and an outputportion of the first inverter; a second switch provided between theinput portion of the first inverter and a power supply; a firstcapacitor means and a second capacitor means of which first electrodesare connected to the input portion of the first inverter; a third switchfor inputting an H-level of the clock signal as a reference potential toa second electrode of the first capacitor means; a fourth switch forinputting an L-level of the clock signal as a reference potential to asecond electrode of the second capacitor means; and a means forinputting the clock signal to second electrodes of the first and thesecond capacitors means, wherein the second inverter comprises a fifthswitch for fixing a potential of an output of the level shifter during aperiod in which an output of the first inverter is unstable; and whereina control signal of the level shifter is generated from an output pulseof the shift register.
 5. A shift register comprising a level shifterwhich amplifies an amplitude of a clock signal, wherein the levelshifter comprises: a first inverter and a second inverter connected inseries; a first switch provided between an input portion and an outputportion of the first inverter; a second switch provided between theinput portion of the first inverter and a power supply; a firstcapacitor means and a second capacitor means of which first electrodesare connected to the input portion of the first inverter; a thirdinverter of which output portion is connected to a second electrode ofthe first capacitor means; a third switch provided between an inputportion and an output portion of the third inverter; a fourth switchprovided between the input portion of the third inverter and a powersupply; a third capacitor means of which first electrode is connected tothe input portion of the third inverter; a fifth switch for inputting anH-level of the clock signal to a second electrode of the third capacitormeans; a fourth inverter of which output portion is connected to asecond electrode of the second capacitor means; a sixth switch providedbetween an input portion and an output portion of the fourth inverter; aseventh switch provided between the input portion of the fourth inverterand a power supply; a fourth capacitor means of which first electrode isconnected to the input portion of the fourth inverter; an eighth switchfor inputting an L-level of the clock signal to a second electrode ofthe fourth capacitor means; and a means for inputting the clock signalto second electrodes of the third capacitor means and a fourth capacitormeans, wherein the second inverter comprises a ninth switch for fixing apotential of an output of the level shifter during a period in which anoutput of the first inverter is unstable; and wherein a control signalof the level shifter is generated from an output pulse of the shiftregister.
 6. The shift register according to claim 1, wherein a numberof stage of the level shifter and a number of stage of flip-flop whichconfigure the shift register in the ratio of 1:N (N is two or more). 7.A driving method of a shift register comprising a level shifter whichamplifies an amplitude of a clock signal, wherein the level shiftercomprises: a capacitor means; an inverter of which input portion isconnected to a first electrode of the capacitor means; a switch providedbetween the input portion and an output portion of the inverter; a firstmeans for inputting a reference potential to a second electrode of thecapacitor means; a second means for inputting a clock to the secondelectrode of the capacitor means; a third means for fixing a potentialof an output of the level shifter; and a fourth means for fixing apotential of an input portion of the inverter, comprising: a step ofturning ON the switch to set the input portion and the output portion ofthe inverter to a threshold potential of the inverter in a reset period,thereby setting a first electrode of the capacitor means at thethreshold potential and setting the second electrode of the capacitormeans to a reference potential by the first means; a step of inputtingthe clock signal to the second electrode of the capacitor means by thesecond means in a clock receiving period, and outputting the signalaccording to the clock signal which is inputted an H-level or an L-levelby the third means in dependence on a potential change from thereference potential; a step of fixing a potential of an output of thelevel shifter by the third means during a period in which an output ofthe inverter is unstable; a step of fixing a potential of an inputportion of the inverter by the fourth means during a period in which thelevel shifter does not operate; and a step of generating a controlsignal of the level shifter from an output pulse of the shift register.8. The driving method of the shift register according to claim 7,wherein an H-level and an G-level of the clock signal are used as thereference potential.
 9. The shift register according to claim 2, whereina number of stage of the level shifter and a number of stage offlip-flop which configure the shift register in the ratio of 1:N (N istwo or more).
 10. The shift register according to claim 3, wherein anumber of stage of the level shifter and a number of stage of flip-flopwhich configure the shift register in the ratio of 1:N (N is two ormore).
 11. The shift register according to claim 4, wherein a number ofstage of the level shifter and a number of stage of flip-flop whichconfigure the shift register in the ratio of 1:N (N is two or more). 12.The shift register according to claim 5, wherein a number of stage ofthe level shifter and a number of stage of flip-flop which configure theshift register in the ratio of 1:N (N is two or more).